US Open preview: Why Jannik Sinner can win the last major of the year

When Jannik Sinner won the Toronto Masters a few weeks ago, he did so in impressive fashion as he blitzed Alex de Minaur. The victory put him comfortably into the Top 10, where he currently resides at No. 6. Sinner has been tabbed as one of the next big stars of the new generation. He has slowly been building on his reputation with strong performance after strong performance.

Jannik Sinner has a splendid power game that is a great blend of old-school and new. He has four Grand Slam quarterfinals under his belt, including one at each of the four majors.

His outstanding run at this year’s Wimbledon – he reached the semifinals – was his best showing at the sport’s biggest event. This rock-solid consistency has proven the young Italian to be of the highest caliber player.

Jannik Sinner could be a real threat at the US Open

As we pivot to the year’s final major in New York, Jannik Sinner will be a name that many tab as a potential first-time winner.

He followed up his maiden ATP 1000 victory in Canada by being knocked out of the Western and Southern Open in the first round by Dusan Lajovic. This could most likely be attributed to fatigue from his efforts the previous week and an inevitable mental letdown. However, this could also prove to be a blessing in disguise as Jannik has been able to recharge and put all his efforts into preparing for the US Open.

If things go by seeding, Sinner will have a quarterfinal showdown with Carlos Alcaraz. These two have already had some stunning clashes at Grand Slams and this could be another.

On current form, Jannik might be closer to the World No. 1 than one would think at first glance. His improved service motion has unlocked a new element to his first serve. He has been using this to overpower his opponents. Combine this with his heavy flat groundstrokes from both wings, and there won’t be many players lining up to play him.

His recent win in a 1000 field showed Jannik Sinner might have taken the next step in his game. It was the biggest win of his career but he will be in search of an even bigger one. If Alcaraz were to be upset early, things could really open up for him.

For now, he is in a handful of Tier 2 contenders just behind Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic. He has all the ability to put himself in the top tier. Let’s see if he can do it.